CPA president faces formal complaint by members

Members of CPA Australia have written to the University of Sydney to report the conduct of CPA president Tyrone Carlin, who serves on the educational institution’s leadership team.

In a letter to Sydney University vice-chancellor Michael Spence and chancellor Belinda Hutchinson, seen by ifa, CPA member Brett Stevenson outlines an “ethical concern” about Mr Carlin’s conduct held by a number of fellow members.

Mr Carlin, who in addition to his senior role at CPA Australia is a deputy vice-chancellor and registrar at Australia’s oldest university, may not be acting in accordance with director’s duties as outlined in the Corporations Act, the letter alleged.

“Our profession subscribes to APES110 in relation to our ethical standards, and they are very high for a professional body. These are in addition to the ever-present obligations imposed on directors from the Corporations Act, with which I am sure you are familiar,” the letter stated.

“I, and many other members believe, these above principles require closer scrutiny in relation to president Tyrone Carlin's role at CPA Australia, about which we are actively pursuing action.”

Mr Stevenson, who said he writes on behalf of a number of aggrieved members, suggested the university’s reputation may be at risk from association with Mr Carlin and the leadership team at CPA Australia, who have been subject to “negative media” as a result of decisions such as the choice of location for the next AGM.

“I hardly need to add the very strange decision to move the AGM later this month to Singapore which has under 5 per cent of the total membership of CPA Australia while Australia has over 75 per cent,” the letter said.

“A decision we believe is their way of avoiding these matters being raised at the AGM here in Australia. Therein I suggest lies a major concern.”

The letter notes that the association has not disclosed details of Mr Carlin’s remuneration and workload, and that he is one of a number of executive team members with whom some members have taken issue.

“The context of a close-knit group at CPA Australia who have an inordinate amount of influence, and have done so for some time raise questions of probity, conflict of interest and fundamental ethical questions in relation to integrity,” the letter says.

“I contend that Tyrone Carlin is part of that controlling group with whom considerable concerns are being exposed. All I can do is alert you to the issues and to tread carefully.”